Golf: Scahill bids for Open qualification

Stephen Scahill was the best-placed New Zealand golfer in Melbourne but still needed a hot second round today to qualify for July's British Open.

Scahill shot an opening round one-over-par 73 in the 36-hole international final qualifying tournament at Kingston Heath yesterday.

He was tied for 20th, seven shots off the pace set by Newcastle professional Nick Flanagan, and four shots outside the top-four.

The leading four players after today's round gain automatic entry to the Open at Royal Liverpool in July.

Of the two other New Zealanders in the 53-strong field, Brad Iles shot 75 and Gareth Paddison 76 yesterday.


Leading scores

Afterthe first round at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne yesterday (par-72, Australian unless stated). The top four players after 36 holes gain automatic entry to the Open at Royal Liverpool in July.

66 - Nicholas Flanagan
69 - Michael Wright, Andrew Tschudin, Bradley Hughes, Ben Bunny
70 - Steven Jeffress
71 - Euan Walters, Marcus Cain, Brad McIntosh, David Diaz, Leigh McKechnie
72 - Craig Carmichael, Kim Felton, Alistair Presnell, Cameron Percy, Tony Carolan, Martin Doyle, Scott Laycock, Ryan Haller

Also:
73 - Stephen Scahill
75 - Bradley Iles
76 - Gareth Paddison

- NZPA